The Barnstable pitcher drilled a pair of home runs, including a big three-run blast in the fourth to end it in a 12-1 mercy rule victory over Hamilton-Wenham, in the second round of the Massachusetts State Finals, July 25 at Harry Ball Field.

Barnstable made solid contact off Hamilton-Wenham hurlers all night, accounting for 14 hits, including five round-trippers, before the game was ultimately called in the bottom of the fourth.

"It was a big win," said Barnstable Manager Joe Burke, whose team was looking to recover from a 13-3 mercy rule loss to undefeated Holden, July 24. "We got huge contributions from (everyone). We came up here and got spanked by Holden (Thursday). I donít know whether it was a ride (back) up here, I donít know how you guys deal with this traffic, it was a little brutal, but I just liked the way the team bounced back today."

The staff ace, Scotti held a potent Hamilton-Wenham lineup to just two hits, walking none, while fanning six. He also led the Barnstable hit parade going 4-for-4 from the leadoff spot, launching a pair of homers including a two-run shot in the third, before ending the game with the walk-off blast in the fourth.

"Tonight we faced their ace," said Hamilton-Wenham Manager Dave Jones. "Heís a damn good pitcher, so it was just bad luck. If we faced them last night itís a different game, but Wyatt is a great pitcher, so what are you going to do? We still got to hit. We just didnít and they did. Itís baseball."

Bennett Teceno took Generals starter Aiden Cann deep on a two-run homer in the first, putting Hamilton-Wenham on their heels early. Brian Frieh (3-for-3) extended the lead scoring off a delayed steal, before lacing an RBI double in the second.

Will Jones attempted to stage a comeback belting a solo homer in the top of the third. Cann†also chipped in with a single,†but the Generals were unable to generate any momentum.

Meanwhile, Ben Baxter ignited a five-run rally in the bottom of the frame delivering a solo homer. Scotti and Teceno followed both going yard, giving Barnstable the comfortable 9-1 cushion.

According to Burke his team thrives on pressure situations such as this.

"After our second loss in the Districts we had to win five straight to get into the Sectionals," said Burke, whose team is now 11-2. "They played five games with their backs against the wall and they know how to fight when its a Little League career over or keep playing (scenario)."

"Hamilton-Wenham was trying to take something away from us," he added. "The game Saturday would have been meaningless if we lost, and we didnít want (that to happen)."

Page 2 of 3 - Although they surrendered 14 hits, Jones feels itís hard to access his pitching staff since they were up against one of the top hitting teams in the state.

"I donít know if our guys pitched that bad," Jones said. "We just didnít mix it up very well and they hit great, so weíve got to give them a ton of credit."

One thingís for sure, juggling a staff in these types of tournaments is always a challenge.

"We have a lot of pitching, but in this sort of tournament all these guys can hit fastballs," Jones said. "Our guys throw hard, but these are three of the best teams in the state, so these guys can hit. If your curveballs arenít strikes theyíre going to crush it and tonight our we didnít have it."

Eli Leonard provided one of lone highlights of the night. The Hamilton-Wenham centerfielder robbed Teceno of a three-run homer at the fence in the second inning.

"That was a nice grab," Jones said. "It was good positioning. We talked about communication with our outfielders. A lot of these guys havenít played outfield all Little League, so theyíre learning. It just shows theyíre getting better. That was a great play. It gave us a little boost there for a little bit."

The Barnstable slugger struck back in the third, however, with his second of the night, a tape-measured blast to deep centerfield.

"I thought (Barnstable) hit the ball better than Iíve seen anybody," Jones said. "They hit some bombs. We havenít had that happen against us (all tourney). What can you do?"

The coach also credits his teamís loyal fanbase for cheering them on every step of the way.

"I love the fans," he said. "The fact they come out and support us through thick and thin its great, this team had a tremendous amount of success. It stinks to lose on a walk-off (homer), but I havenít seen a team hit like that since we have. We did this to plenty of teams, so now we know how it feels. It stinks, but it baseball."

Hamilton-Wenham wraps up the State Finals on Saturday with a game against undefeated Holden at 4:30 p.m.

"Iím psyched to be here," Jones said. "Iím psyched to be on this stage for these kids, they deserve it. Iím bummed that their not playing great, but thatís life. I told them to keep their heads up. Comeback tomorrow, give it our all and lets remember this for the rest of our lives."